Reporting from Kadena Air Base | Defense News

Reporting from Kadena Air Base

Inside Air Force Special Operation Command’s MC-130

The Air Force's multimission, special operations versions of the C-130 are constantly on the go at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Take a rare inside look at the aircraft and operations.

How is the F-35 improving its dogfighting skills in Japan?

The F-35 hasn't always had the best reputation for air-to-air fighting. Could that change?

For the F-15 enterprise at Kadena Air Base in Japan, it’s an expertise problem

Like many other U.S. Air Force installations, Kadena Air Base's F-15 squadrons are grappling with a pilot shortage and challenges in growing a corps of skilled maintainers.

At Kadena Air Base, the elephant in the room is North Korean

Defense News traveled to Kadena Air Base in February to learn about how operations in the Asia-Pacific are changing. That sometimes proved difficult, as leaders often struggled to convey readiness and combat capability.

Interview: Kadena Air Base's 18th Wing commander on North Korea, and why readiness is at an all-time high

Kadena Air Base is the biggest U.S. military base in the Asia-Pacific. Its commander chatted with Defense News about some of its biggest challenges.

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At Kadena Air Base, the elephant in the room is North Korean

Defense News traveled to Kadena Air Base in February to learn about how operations in the Asia-Pacific are changing. That sometimes proved difficult, as leaders often struggled to convey readiness and combat capability.

By Valerie Insinna

Interview: Kadena Air Base's 18th Wing commander on North Korea, and why readiness is at an all-time high

Kadena Air Base is the biggest U.S. military base in the Asia-Pacific. Its commander chatted with Defense News about some of its biggest challenges.

By Valerie Insinna

US Air Force eyes self-protection systems for aging tankers, airlifters

A new “High Value Airborne Asset” study recommended improvements to communications, situational awareness and self-protection systems.

By Valerie Insinna

Structural issues plague US Pave Hawk helicopters

The Air Force's 33rd Rescue Squadron is tasked with one of the service's most important tasks, but many of its Pave Hawk helicopters used for those missions have begun exhibiting structural cracking.

By Valerie Insinna

Interview: Head of US Air Force special ops in Asia-Pacific talks regional threats, priorities

The head of the 353rd Special Operations Group sat down with Defense News to talk about the team's work and why it matters to the diverse, often volatile Asia-Pacific region.

By Valerie Insinna

Air Force F-35 put through its paces in first Asia-Pacific deployment

The Air Force's F-35A model is halfway through its first deployment to the Asia-Pacific. How is it doing?

By Valerie Insinna

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